I may be mistaken but I have a feeling that Martin Schaub had some connection to an excellent group called West of Eden. This album, Leaving the Circus, arrived without any background material -- other than some great sounds.

Schaub appears to be Swedish but from the top-class writing here you would never suspect that English was not his mother tongue. All the songs are new, written by Schaub, and they display a great ability to observe, assimilate and then offer everyday experiences musically to a wide audience. There are echoes of the best of Clifford T. Ward in his writing and in his voice.

One of my personal favourites on offer here is "Clowns." He also offers the wonderfully titled "Missiles from an Angel." "Last Words that I Said" will haunt the memory of any listener who has wanted to live a family life.

Don't hurry on through. This is an album to savour. Listen to the carefully crafted lyrics that are never overpowered by the sensitive playing.

Schaub is a name to watch, but more importantly -- a voice to hear.